STRINGSCALES

G lydian Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D, E at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12

A string: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12

D string: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12

G string: G, A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12

B string: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12

High E string: E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D, E at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12

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G lydian

The lydian mode is a major scale with a raised 4th, the fourth mode of the major key a fifth below. Removing the one note that pulled toward resolution leaves it floating and weightless, the classic film score and dream sequence sound, and a favorite of guitarists like Vai and Satriani. Over a major 7th chord the #4 turns a plain arpeggio line into something modern.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

G

I

Gmaj
A

II

Amaj
B

iii

Bm
C♯

#iv°

C♯dim
D

V

Dmaj
E

vi

Em
F♯

vii

F♯m

Characteristic note: C# (#4), the raised fourth that gives lydian its floating sound.

Same notes, different mode

G lydian uses the same notes as the scales below. Start from a different note and you get a new mode built on the very same note set.

A mixolydianB minor · relative minorC# locrianD major · relative majorE dorianF# phrygian

lydian in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • Float the raised 4th (C#) over a plain G major chord; hold it rather than resolving it, since that suspension is the lydian sound.
  • Avoid the perfect 4th entirely: every time a major-scale habit reaches for (C), play #IV (C#) instead and the line turns cinematic.
  • Vamp two major chords a whole step apart (I and II in G lydian) to establish the mode without a bass player.
  • Target chord tones of a maj7#11 arpeggio: root, the 3rd (B), the raised 4th (C#) and the 7th (F#); the #11 sits right inside the arpeggio in this mode.

How to play G lydian on guitar

Open G supplies the root and the other five open strings fit the scale as well, so the instrument is tuned into this key. Open D gives the fifth while open B gives the major third, so a full triad drones with nothing fretted. Roots also occupy low E fret 3 and A string fret 10. C#dim fills the #iv position, so a phrase that lands there announces the mode. First shape breaks at fret 7.

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